Stolen hours cost the economy

Absenteeism costs South Africa between R12 and R16-billion per year, according to Occupational Care South Africa (OCSA) and Statistics SA. OCSA adds that of the 15% of staff who may be absent on any given day, only one in three are actually physically ill, and that...

Will oil price drive an SA turnaround?

Recent drastic declines in the international oil price and the resultant sharp cuts in the local petrol price could herald a sharp turnaround in South Africa’s more immediate fortunes, says Old Mutual Investment Group. And this sharp fall, if sustained, will have a...

‘Back to the future’ for world economy

With many of today’s economic trends reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s, we are looking at a “back to the future” scenario for the global economy, says chief economist Dr Nariman Behravesh of IHS. “Once again the US is a locomotive of global growth, the dollar is...

Smart manufacturing drives digital economy

The venerable factory is an important competitive weapon in the digital economy. According to Robert Parker, group vice-president at IDC Manufacturing Insights: “Smart manufacturing programs can deliver financial benefits that are tangible and auditable. More...
Family firms rally in tough times

Family firms rally in tough times

Family businesses remain resilient despite the adverse economic environment they find themselves in post-recession. At a time when other businesses are struggling to create revenue, around 78% of South African family businesses reported growth in the last 12 months, and 21% are aiming to grow quickly and aggressively over the next five years.